Authorities on alert for tidal swells

State authorities are making preparations for tidal swells that could hit islands across the Maldives from September 27 to 30.

The police and military are in a state of readiness to assist islands at risk of flooding. The authorities have advised laying sandbags to protect powerhouses, health centres, and garbage dumps, and to take foodstuffs, valuables, and electronic equipment at beachfront homes and offices further inshore.

The department of meteorology last week warned of tidal swells and flooding in connection with the perigean spring tide, which occurs when the full moon coincides with the perigree of the moon – the point when the moon is closest to the earth.

At a joint press conference with the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) on Friday night, Abdul Muhsin Ramiz, director of the meteorology department, explained that tides could rise up to six inches higher than normal during high tide, which occurs between 11:30am and 3:00pm and between 12:00am and 3:30am.